Developers backing Howell

Published Tuesday, September 26, 2000

I live in northwest St. Johns County in District 1. Although I am not usually active in politics, the current situation compels me to write. The current commissioner, Pal Howell, is running a campaign as one of the people, but this is not the case. When Mr. Howell ran for election four years ago, he campaigned on a pledge to stop the Jacksonville developers from overwhelming our community with rapid growth. He promised to be independent and only run for one term. Four years later, we have uncontrolled growth, and Mr. Howell has forgotten his promises.

He claims to be independent, and proclaims that he doesn't accept contributions, however, the billboards all over the county and recent newspaper ads tell the truth. Mr. Howell is clearly being backed by the Jacksonville development community by a coordinated campaign that is intentionally deceiving the citizens of our county. Why isn't he reporting these in-kind contributions? Why isn't The Record reporting on this flagrant violation of the election laws? In fact, one of Mr. Howell's supporters is currently cited by the county for operating an illegal barrow pit, and is being sued by Mr. Howell's constituents. It's time Mr. Howell told the truth about where he stands.

E. Kenny

Sampson

Editor's note: The Record carried a story on Com-missioner Howell's signs Sept. 18.